Covering Hamilton and Robbinsville townships in-depth for The Trentonian.
I can be reached at (609) 989-7800 ext. 207 or (609) 468-6962. Email me at mmacagnone@trentonian.com or follow me @awisefool.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Council addresses issues with Trenton Water Works, other biz at meeting

A suit brought by Hamilton Township could soon bring out exactly how many Trenton Water Works employees do work for other parts of the city.

Councilman Ed Gore raised concerns last night over a report in The Trentonian last month that Paul Harris, an employee of Trenton Water Works, was running the city's Public Works division.

He said the city work done by Harris was "once again an example of malfeasance by the administration of Trenton Water Works."

"This is money from the taxes of Hamilton residents that is being misused by the city of Trenton," he said.

Township lawyer Lindsay Burbage said Hamilton, among other municipalities, is nearing a settlement with Trenton Water Works in their suit against a 2008 rate increase. Burbage said the lawyers involved with the suit will have a status conference with the utility’s representatives Wednesday to work on the settlement.

He said the settlement would include information about which utility employees are doing what work -- meant to make sure Hamilton residents' water bills pay for the service they receive.

“We will ensure that all emplyoees paid by Trenton Water Works work for Trenton Water Works,” Burbage said.

He said the township had information that multiple employees paid by Trenton Water Works were doing other work.

Stay posted for more information on the law department's advice on the proposed Pay-to-Play ordinance and the meeting on the settlement.